Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Bulky backpacks may lead to back problems for children later in life. Here are some tips to help reduce the amount of weight your child lugs around at school. (CNN)

Raising a family in New York City means great neighborhood relationships but, often, small living space. Check out the innovative ways that some local families are forgoing moving to a larger place for the sake of living near friends and friends of their kids. (The New York Times)

With Halloween less than five days away, here are some last-minute costume ideas celebrating strong female leaders. Costume ideas range from Harriet Tubman to Amy Poehler. (BuzzFeed)

A stroller that can fit in your purse? The fantasy is now a reality with the new GB Pockit. (Mashable)

Zooey Deschanel lived up to her quirky reputation by giving her baby daughter a middle name inspired by the animal kingdom. Read on to learn what it is! (Crushable)

Sesame Street has added a new member to the family: A Muppet named Julia that has autism. Julia spearheads their new autism awareness initiative that aims to help children understand the meaning of autism. (Mommyish)

Make mornings a little easier with these simple tips from The Happiness Project author Gretchen Rubin. Hint: it’s not more coffee. (TODAY)

A crazy paternity case in Washington State shows that a man’s unborn twin, which he had absorbed in-utero, was actually the genetic father of his child. Find out how! (Laboratory Equipment)

Ever feel stressed out while trying to help your child with their math homework? This satirical quiz is sure to make you laugh! (The New Yorker)

One of our fave celeb moms–Sarah Michelle Geller–has a super-cool new project that helps parents and kids bond in the kitchen (and in a nutritious way to boot)! Get the scoop! (Cricket’s Circle)